Situated in the inviting Heritage Square, Marigold Authentic Indian is the first classic Indian restaurant to be opened in Franschhoek Village. Part of the Leeu Collection, it promises an unforgettable culinary experience, in a scenic location on the town’s main street.
Marigold boasts an industrial-inspired interior featuring bare brick walls and an authentic timber ceiling. Minimalistic wallpaper displaying abstract patterns, and a riempie screen divider above the fireplace, amplifies the space’s distinct look and feel. These details merge beautifully with the mid-century modern aesthetic of the banquette seating, made with leather in warm orange and yellow tones. Just as the décor catches the eye, so too is the menu a delight for the palate.
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Based on the traditional fare of North India, it includes a selection of delicacies ranging from fiery curries to hearty biryani. The master behind the menu is head chef Vanie Padayachee, a spice-blending maven with a cookery style shaped by South Africa’s abundance of varied cultures. Although from Durban, a city imbued with Indian flair, she journeyed to India to get a taste of the country’s culture, allowing her to express its vibrancy through her cooking.
One of the treats she whips up is Palak Chaat, a starter consisting of crispy spinach leaves dipped in a gram flour batter. These are topped with sweetened curd, tamarind and chilli. To experience New Delhi’s street food, order the Aloo Tiki Chole Chaat. These shallow-fried potato patties are stuffed with Bengal gram, served with chickpea curry and embellished with onions, coriander and mint chutney.
For the main meal, sample the tender beef, chicken and seafood kebabs, which can be eaten straight from a charcoal tandoori oven. Alternatively, choose an option from the curry assortment, catering to both vegetarians and meat lovers. A star curry is the Murg Makhani, commonly known as Butter Chicken. Its creamy tomato and masala base, with traces of garlic and green chilli, will melt in your mouth. Breads such as the fluffy Naan or Laccha Paratha, complement it splendidly.
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To end off the meal and treat your sweet tooth to a dessert like Kulfi, an Eastern spin on ice cream, or Gur Dosas, pancakes drizzled with mint syrup. The Besan Ladoo Cheesecake is a showstopper comprised of sweet chickpea flour fudge, topped by a light cheesecake filling infused with cinnamon. It is accompanied by a star anise fruit compote and frozen yoghurt.
Featured Image:
Marigold, Facebook
